Paintings from the Studio of the Late Judy Strafford
(Born 6 March 1932 - died 4 May 2018, age 86)
Auction: 26 September - 11 October 2020
The Auction As part of Bellmans Winchester October Timed Online Interiors Auction, we are delighted to offer for sale a collection of paintings by Judy Strafford. A local Winchester artist and illustrator, known for her Tamworth pigs book ‘The Pig Tales’. Judy was also recognized for her love of sprouts, brightly coloured cashmere jumpers and pink & orange lipstick!
Judy’s early career evolved from painting famous actors, including James Robertson Justice, Kenneth Moore and Dirk Bogarde, to becoming known for painting rural Hampshire scenes, especially in watercolour, of the Itchen Valley and surrounding area.
Born in Brighton, Judy studied at Brighton College of Art. In 1956, she married Derek Howard, and they had three children. After settling in Twyford, Hampshire, Judy learnt and gained a passion for cookery. During this time, her love of bright vibrant colours became evident. Judy used a singer sewing machine, creating vibrant collages of sequin silk flowers and botanical subjects and a nativity scene, later published as a Christmas card; she painted in oils on board, including yellow and orange Daffodils; deep Prussian blues and rich red monotones of rural summer and autumnal scenes.
Judy later married Tom Enfield who became the 8th Earl of Strafford and Judy, the Countess of Strafford. During this period traditional pen and ink illustrations with colour washes became her distinctive style. With the launch of the JS Design Co, Judy published greeting cards of her ink and watercolor illustrations of Winchester and well-known landmarks. At this time, she rekindled her love of flowers, botanic illustration and collage, publishing cards of intricate botanical composition in ink and watercolour.
Judy and Tom would travel often through Italy in a camper van, her ink washes lending themselves beautifully to Tuscan hills and medieval cities. Further trips to India and Australia followed and Judy returned to oil on canvas, though her distinctive use of colour remained beautifully evident. Judy’s masterful colour wash painting of Itchen valley water meadows led her to hold painting classes in the Itchen valley, Italy and Canada, encouraging others to explore their creative talents through colour.
Judy was a prolific painter, illustrator, writer and accomplished cook. She kept all her work and before her death in 2018, her son Daniel asked what she would like him to do with her paintings. She replied, “either make money from them or just burn them”.
Bellmans are honoured to be offering part of her studio for sale in their Winchester saleroom. Works include scenes from Hampshire, Andalucía, South Africa and India, spanning Judy’s lifetime.
Quotes: ''Judy Strafford's paintings continue to be collected locally and internationally. We are delighted to release this first collection for public online auction for new and established collectors and admirers to enjoy Judy's colourful vibrant paintings. Judy’s family are grateful to Julian Dineen and the team at Bellmans who have presented Judy's paintings with care and professionalism throughout.’’ Quote from the family of Judy Strafford
“Bellmans are delighted to have been instructed to handle the sale of this first collection of Judy Strafford’s paintings, by her family. We are indebted to them for their assistance in handling the works and identifying certain subjects and locations. It is a pleasure to be hosting this auction of her work and to be involved with an artist for whom Winchester and the surrounding area was so much a part of her life. I’ve no doubt the sale will be a great success.” Quote from Julian Dineen, Bellmans Auctioneers The executor of her artistic estate is offering this initial collection for sale.
Highlights include:
457: Judy Strafford (1932-2018), Arniston I, initialled, oil on canvas, 39 x 39cm. ARR Estimated £100 - £150 (plus BP)
460: Judy Strafford (1932-2018), Between the Beach Huts, initialled, oil on canvas, 59 x 43.5cm. ARR Estimated £200 - £300 (plus BP)
462: Judy Strafford (1932-2018), The Thatcher II, Easton, initialled, oil on canvas, 50 x 60cm. ARR Estimated £150 - £250 (plus BP)
466: Judy Strafford (1932-2018), Washing Line, Delhi, initialled, oil on canvas, 100 x 80cm. ARR Estimated £300 - £500 (plus BP)
All lots are subject to 22% Buyers premium plus VAT.
Viewings: The sale is available to view online and we are open for viewing by appointment until Friday 9th October at our Winchester Saleroom.
For further information please contact the Winchester saleroom on 01962 861789 or via email [email protected]
